petit treason

noun

pet·​it treason

ˈpet|ē,

ˈpet|,

|i-

English law

: the crime committed by a servant in killing his master, by a wife in killing her husband, or by an ecclesiastic in killing his superior

Word History

Etymology

alteration (influenced by petit) of petty treason

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now